Maxine Sears' Obituary
Maxine O. Franke Sears, second daughter of Max H. and Daphne Thornley Franke, was born August 5, 1919, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, November 30, 2010, in her home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, three months, and twenty-five days.
On March 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to Howard Vernon Sears, Sr., and to this union three daughters and two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard, on March 30, 2002; a daughter, Janet Ella Sears; and a sister, Helen Franke Mitchell.
Maxine is survived by two daughters, Dr. Pamela Sears McKinsey, and her husband, Michael, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and Dr. Suzanne Sears Hoverman, and her husband, J. Stuart, of Shorncliffe, Queensland, Australia; two sons, Howard Sears, Jr., and his wife, Lynne, of Houston, Texas, and Stephen Sears, and his wife, Judy, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; eight grandsons, Daniel, Gabriel, Christopher, Andrew, Adam, Alexander, Nicholas, and Mackay; a granddaughter, Jessica; four great-grandchildren, Eleanor Jane Sears, Megan Kay Sears, Orion William Allan McKensey, and Sylvia Annalisse McKinsey; and many other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Lebanon, Missouri, and as a young girl liked to roller skate, having won many races at the local skating rink. Maxine began playing the violin at the age of six and was musical all of her life. She graduated from Lebanon High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1937, and played in the band and orchestra and sang in the chorus. She was also Drum Major for the Drum and Bugle Corp. She entered music contests for violin and clarinet, and also was in a typing contest. She attended Drury College for one year, and then earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, majoring in music, from the University of Missouri. While at MU, Maxine was the first president of the newly formed music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She was also a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an honorary sorority for teachers, and Chi Omega, a social sorority. She then became supervisor of music at Rich Hill, Missouri. After she and Howard were married, they made their home in various locations while Howard served in the military. While Howard was stationed overseas, Maxine returned to Lebanon. Later, after World War II ended, Maxine and Howard made their home in the Flat River community, now called Park Hills, where Howard worked for St. Joe Minerals Company, and Maxine was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family. In 1973, Maxine and Howard moved to Vibernum, Missouri, and in 1985, returned to Lebanon, where Maxine continued to live for the last twenty-five years.
Maxine had made her profession of faith in Christ and was baptized at the age of fifteen into the First Christian Church of Lebanon. Later, she transferred her membership to the Flat River Christian Church. After returning to Lebanon, she was once again an active member of First Christian Church.
She had a great love for classical music and enjoyed playing the violin, as a soloist and in string quartets. She had performed with six orchestras, the last one being as concert master. She also enjoyed sewing, quilt making, knitting, playing bridge, and traveling, having visited more than fifty foreign countries. Her family was always the center of her life and she was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren.
Maxine was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.
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